Entrepreneurial ecosystems and public policy in action : a critique of the latest industrial policy blockbuster

Abstract

Efforts to develop entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) have proliferated in recent years, marking it out as the latest industrial policy ‘blockbuster’. This paper reports the findings from a comprehensive empirical analysis of policy approaches deployed under this conceptual umbrella, enabling us to posit a basic typology of different EE policy frameworks. The findings suggest the concept is fraught with conceptual ambiguity and is predominantly (and rather crudely) used to promote ‘more’ entrepreneurship. The research suggests the concept is a “messy metaphor” open to wide-ranging misinterpretation and misuse by policy makers. Eradicating network failures, avoiding crude policy isomorphism and tailoring bespoke interventions are suggested policy recommendations.